קְצִיעָה

קְצִיעָה

Ketsiah, a daughter of Job

Definition

Ketsiah (קְצִיעָה) is the name of the second of Job's three daughters born after his restoration from suffering, as recorded in Job 42:14. The name itself means 'cassia,' a fragrant spice derived from the bark of the cinnamon tree, similar to H7102 (qᵉtsîyʻâh). In the biblical context, it functions solely as a proper noun, identifying this specific individual. No other meanings or senses are attested for this word in the Hebrew Bible.

Biblical Usage

This word is used only once in the entire Old Testament, in Job 42:14, where it serves as the personal name of one of Job's daughters: 'And he called the name of the first, Jemima; and the name of the second, Kezia; and the name of the third, Keren-happuch.' Its usage is strictly onomastic (name-giving) within the narrative conclusion of the Book of Job.

Etymology

The name Ketsiah is identical to the common noun קְצִיעָה (H7102), which means 'cassia,' a precious and aromatic spice. It is derived from the root קָצַע (qātsaʻ), which carries the sense of to strip off or peel bark, referencing how cassia bark is harvested. As a name, it follows a common Hebrew practice of using beautiful or meaningful nouns from nature for personal names.

Semantic Range

While a proper name, Ketsiah's meaning ('cassia') contributes symbolically to the restoration theme in Job. Cassia was a valuable spice used in the holy anointing oil (Exodus 30:24), representing consecration and God's favor. The naming of Job's daughters with beautiful, aromatic terms (Jemima='dove', Kezia='cassia', Keren-happuch='horn of eye-paint') signifies the beauty, dignity, and abundant blessing God restored to Job after his trial, highlighting that his latter end was blessed more than his beginning. In ancient Near Eastern culture, names were deeply significant, often describing character, destiny, or circumstances of birth. Naming a daughter after a costly spice like cassia indicated she was considered precious and beautiful. Furthermore, the exceptional detail that Job gave his daughters an inheritance alongside their brothers (Job 42:15) was culturally remarkable, underscoring their restored status and Job's righteous character. קִנָּמוֹן (qinnāmôn, H7076) — cinnamon, a related but distinct aromatic spice from a different tree. קְצִיעָה (qᵉtsîyʻâh, H7102) — the common noun for 'cassia,' from which the proper name is directly taken.

Word Details